Episode 4: The Goals of the Bonita Projects

Objectives 1925: A scientific mission and a Groundbreaking Archaeological first

A 1'200-mile voyage from Marseille to Athens — all-female, no sailor — was a bold feat for its time. But the women didn’t see it as a sporting challenge. It was a scientific expedition with the primary goal to carry out archaeological excavations in Greece.

Still students at the Sorbonne, Miette de Saussure and Marthe Oulié, who both spoke Greek, were the first women archaeologists accepted to conduct excavations with the French School of Athens. Marthe Oulié, a brilliant researcher, led a two-month dig in Mallia, Crete, and later became France’s youngest PhD in archaeology.

Through this scientific mission, she drew her crewmates into yet another adventure.

Their courage and determination were matched by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

Carinne

---

Credit: Unknown source – Private collection

Objectives 2025: Honoring the past to learn for the future

Why this project?

First, to celebrate the daring spirit and boldness of these pioneering ladies. Five young women who sailed alone in 1925, navigating 1'200 miles - a true adventure. May the celebration of their courage continue to inspire future adventurers, both women and men.

Second, to learn and grow. There’s so much to reflect on when it comes to learning how to sail. How do you manage a boat when you're a social scientist and not an expert in engineering or mechanics? How do you build confidence, handle stress, and stay calm through the countless situations you face at sea or while entering and leaving port?

And of course, questions of gender come into play — around self-confidence, how to impart knowledge, around attitude towards authority, etc.

Third, to create a space for dialogue. By comparing the experiences from 1925 and 2025, we invite readers to reflect on how the world has changed over the past century.

And for all of us, ultimately, this journey is a pause and a chance to sail, to reconnect with nature, as a team, to feel the freedom that sailing offers.

An opportunity to discover unknown places, meet new people and of being together and embracing comeradeship.

Valérie